Epiphone Explorer VS Gibson Explorer (Comparison)
Our pick: Gibson Explorer, given the proper context...
There's no way to argue that the Epiphone Explorer meets the same quality standards we see in the Gibson Explorer. It's not as good, and anyone who tells you "they're basically the same" hasn't done even the most basic homework on either of these instruments. However, the Epiphone version is dramatically cheaper, and intended for a different type of buyer than its Gibson counterpart.
While there are a few similarities between these two guitars on the spec sheet, there's zero similarities on the pricing charts.
The Gibson version of the Explorer is just under $2000 while the Epiphone version sits at $650. As such, these two guitars are clearly meant for two different types of guitar players. The Gibson is for pro-level players that know the guitar market and are confident about what they want to buy, while the Epiphone version is for beginners or intermediate players who might still be exploring their tastes in the instrument.
This makes it a hard comparison, because the Epiphone Explorer isn't really trying to compete with the Gibson version, or even trying to be a lower-tiered alternative.
Simply put, the Gibson Explorer is for pros while the Epiphone Explorer is for beginners to early intermediates.
Epiphone Explorer VS Gibson Explorer (comparison tool)
You can see for yourself in this comparison table. Use it to check pricing and some basic specs for these two guitars. Notice the difference in pickups with the Gibson Burstbuckers in the Gibson Explorer.
GUITAR | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gibson Explorer | n/a | |
 | Epiphone Explorer | n/a |
There's also a clear disparity in tone between these two guitars, with the Gibson Explorer producing a more full and rich-sounding tone profile. The Epiphone isn't bad, but it's definitely not meeting the threshold set by the Gibson Burstbucker pickups and the Mahogany body.
Both Explorer Specs, Side by Side
It's true that both guitar's bodies are made of Mahogany, but it's important to keep in mind that not all tonewoods are the same, even if they come from the same type of tree. There are different grades of wood quality that are almost never shown in guitar spec sheets, but they make a huge difference in the price. In other words, don't see "Mahogany" for both guitars and assume that's the same. They're very different.
Also, note that the ProBucker-2 and ProBucker-3 are sort of Epiphone's stock version of the Gibson Burstbucker set.
Header | Gibson | Epiphone |
|---|---|---|
Body Type | Solidbody | Solidbody |
Body Material | Mahogany | Mahogany |
Top Material | n/a | n/a |
Bridge/Tailpiece | Nashville Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar | LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece |
Neck Pickup | Burstbucker 2 Humbucker | ProBucker-2 Humbucker |
Bridge Pickup | Burstbucker 3 Humbucker | ProBucker-3 Humbucker |
Controls | 2 x volume, 1 x master tone | 2 x volume, 1 x master tone |
Nut Width | 1.695" | 1.693" |
Scale Length | 24.75" | 24.75" |
Frets | 22 medium jumbo | 22 medium jumbo |
Epiphone VS Gibson Explorer. Oh yes, there are plenty of differences.
Summary of Comparison
Between these two guitars, it should be clear that the Gibson Explorer is the nicer instrument, and it's not close.
However, that still leaves room for the Epiphone Explorer in certain contexts.
For beginners or perhaps those looking for a second guitar as an intermediate player to upgrade their first guitar, the Epiphone Explorer is a good option. We just would never say that the two are "essentially the same" because they are definitely not.
Gibson makes excellent instruments and spares no expense with their Les Paul, SG, and Explorer models.
Go with the one that makes more sense for you and your budget, but never confuse the two.
Your Questions
Do you have questions about the Gibson Explorer or Epiphone Explorer?
If so, drop us a line in the comments section and we'll help as much as possible.
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More like the Gibson is for pro sized egos, nothing against Gibson but its become a status symbol like “Prada”. They are not as far apart as every Gibson owner on social media claims. Bottom line is if you can’t play an epiphone and make it sound good, youre not gonna sound any better playing a Gibson.
My big mouth recently bought an epiphone Explorer from a friend who never opened the box. I never knew much about epiphones and had I known it was made in china I woulda kept my big mouth shut, Out of the box it was bad, not even close to playable. So I scraped off the made in sticker and took it apart. I straightened the neck, leveled the frets, the nut, locking grovers. swapped the volume knobs and put the bridge vol to the front. And while I was in there I threw in a Bill and Becky L500xl for the Bridge. Then the basics, action etc.. After the proper complete set-up…. I actually like it. Although I have a Charvel decal Im gonna put over the epiphone logo.. I have a Black Beauty LP and it is a better guitar by far, but it was also 10x the price of the epiphone, 18 years ago so it should be better.
I’m not anti Epiphone, but I’m very pro Gibson. And I’m anti saying they’re both “basically the same”. They are not.
I have an epi lp and a gibson lp studio. The difference is clear. The gibson is simply put together much better. It’s tighter. It’s fuller. It’s better. I love my epi, but I f-word LOVE my gibson. So much that I loaned my epi to my bro-in-law and have forgotten about it until reading this. Gibson-1 Epiphone-0
Yeah I’ve been banging this drum on here forever. Gibson is always > Epiphone.
Epi guitars are excellent and a great value, but the bottom line is that you ALWAYS get what you pay for. I’ll never buy into the “Epiphone is as good as Gibson!” stuff. Just because they’re a good guitar doesn’t mean they compete with the $3000 option. lol
Just swap out the nut and pickups on the Epiphone Goth Explorer and boom, it’s basically the same guitar.
“Gibsons are for pros.” Dylan Carlson uses an upgraded Epiphone Explorer and he’s a pro.
Let’s face it, most Gibson players in 2022 and dentists and lawyers who can only play a few licks and blues scales.
So you have one example of a pro that plays an Epiphone and you put it up against the cagillion of other pros who play Gibson? That’s an interesting way to argue.
But it’s not at all reductive to say Epiphone is for beginners. Hey whatever helps your confirmation bias, I’m sure believing in some mythical tone wood really helps ease the pain of having just spent enough to buy a used car.
You had me at mythical tonewood.
HAHA. Half of their Gibsons are counterfeit anyway. There’s a bunch of them on the Marshall forum, usually asking for Plexi/Brown sound settings for their modelers.
I have been on the fence re/the Gibson explorer. I think looking at it from an investment perspective is wise. I absolutely love the style of the guitar, so your comparison kind of woke me up before I went ahead and got the Epi. Lets face it that Gibson on the headstock matters
Man, Rick – you’re singin’ my tune. I’ve been bangin’ on about this for years. Squier does not = Fender. Epiphone does not = Gibson. There are plenty of viable and sensible situations where buying the cheaper brands make sense, but to say they’re the same is ridiculous.
To quote Family Guy: “Hey…worse is better!”
AAAAA+ Five Star! comparison, would be trolled again!
Thanks? I think…